Barcelona: A City of Warmth and Unique Experiences
Welcoming by nature, Barcelona is a true cultural playground where luxury and authenticity meet. The city’s rich history, vibrant art scene, stunning architecture, local traditions, and world-famous cuisine create the perfect backdrop for a magical Mediterranean holiday.
Barcelona Turisme has given us some tips to help you get the best out of your next visit to this beautiful city. Browse through the highlights below or read the full guide from Barcelona Turisme here.
What to enjoy and explore on your next visit to Barcelona
Be inspired by Barcelona’s unique cultural heritage
Barcelona, with more than 2,000 years of history, is and has been a source of inspiration and home to avant-garde artists such as Picasso, Miró, and Tàpies. Their work can be seen not only inside museums but in the city’s public spaces where contemporary culture coexists with the finest examples of Romanesque art from the 11th and 12th centuries.
The city also has nine World Heritage buildings, elegantly combining its historic legacy with innovative architecture.
Cultural experiences include personalised art experiences, Barcelona art season, private architectural tours, and Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric.
Visit foodie hotspots to experience Barcelona’s vibrant culinary scene
There are no less than 39 fresh food markets in Barcelona, and a range of fine dining experiences including 29 restaurants with a total of 39 Michelin stars between them celebrating international and local cuisines. If you’re a foodie, this is one of the best cities in the world to visit.
We recommend you try these Michelin-starred restaurants
- Lasarte (3 Michelin stars)
- ABaC (3 Michelin stars) and Cocina Hermanos Torres (3 Michelin stars)
- Disfrutar (3 Michelin stars)
- Cinc Sentits (2 Michelin stars)
- Enoteca (2 Michelin stars)
- Oria (1 Michelin star)
New 1-star Michelin restaurants for 2025 include Prodigi, Quirat, Slow & Low, Suto, and Teatro Kitchen & Bar.
Image credit: Visit Barcelona
Sample Barcelona’s renowned wine regions
Barcelona is surrounded by renowned wine regions, offering exclusive experiences for wine lovers. Explore the nearby vineyards with personalised tours that showcase the region’s best wines, just an hour from the city.
We recommend:
Indulge in some retail therapy
Barcelona offers visitors a variety of exclusive shopping experiences and luxury retail opportunities including the Barcelona Shopping Line and the famous Passeig de Gràcia. Or if you’re looking for a perfect gift, you can wander through the district of Sant Antoni or the Gothic Quarter to find local boutique shops offering handmade goods, innovative designs, and artisanal products that capture the essence of Barcelona’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Stay in one of Barcelona’s luxury hotels
Whether you prefer the grandeur of a historic hotel, the sleek design of a modern property, or the charm of a boutique establishment, Barcelona’s hospitality scene has it all.
Five-star hotels we recommend in Barcelona include: Arts, Almanac, Bagués, Casa Fuster, Claris & Spa, Cotton House, El Palace, Majestic Hotel & Spa, Mercer Hotel Barcelona, METT Barcelona (opening September 2025), Neri Relais & Chateaux, Ohla Barcelona, Serras Barcelona, The One, The Barcelona Edition, and W Barcelona.
Here are some of the city’s stand-out 5-star hotels, newly opened and recently renovated:
Barcelona also offers a wide range of wellness and relaxation options for travellers seeking rejuvenating experiences during their stay.
Indulge in the spa experiences at these luxury hotels:
- Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
- Hotel Arts Barcelona
- Mayan Luxury Spa at the Palace Hotel Barcelona
- Spa InterContinental
- The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
- Bliss Spa at W Barcelona
Or visit an independent wellness centre:
Image credit: Visit Barcelona
Feeling more adventurous?
Luxury travellers can explore Barcelona’s spectacular coastline aboard a private luxury yacht complete with gourmet dining, embark on a helicopter tour which offers stunning aerial views of Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, or enjoy a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the picturesque Catalan countryside with a champagne breakfast.
For racing enthusiasts, a VIP pack at Formula 1 Grand Prix or Moto GP at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offers prime viewing spots, behind-the-scenes access, and the opportunity to drive high-performance cars. Football fans can enjoy a VIP tour of FC Barcelona’s iconic stadium through the FC Barcelona Camp Nou experience. Golf lovers can visit Real Club de Golf El Prat, a renowned golf course offering stunning views and a championship-calibre experience.
Rest your feet after all that walking and book one of Barcelona’s luxury transport options
Barcelona offers an array of luxury transportation services designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and exclusivity. These include private transfers such as chauffeur driven cards and limousines, and luxury car rentals of high-end vehicles such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Porsche.
Trusted local partners renowned for their top-notch service and luxury vehicles include Blai Limousines, Avant Group, Abaser, and Automòbils Alegre.
Short on time? Leave the organisation in the hands of local experts. Barcelona has multiple local agencies that specialise in luxury experiences
Barcelona’s boutique agencies specialise in crafting bespoke authentic and immersive experiences that allow visitors to explore the city and its surroundings beyond the beaten track.
Barcelona Turisme collaborates with agencies such as Premium Traveler Barcelona, Destination Spain & Portugal, Made for Spain, Tailored Spain, and The Real Thing.
Barcelona Turisme also collaborates with local businesses and artisans to offer unique, high-quality products and experiences
Barcelona’s boutique agencies specialise in crafting bespoke authentic and immersive experiences that allow visitors to explore the city and its surroundings beyond the beaten track.
Barcelona Turisme collaborates with agencies such as Premium Traveler Barcelona, Destination Spain & Portugal, Made for Spain, Tailored Spain, and The Real Thing.
Feel good about your trip and look out for hotels that prioritise sustainability and local initiatives that support local businesses
Barcelona has earned worldwide recognition as the first city to receive the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, highlighting the city’s dedication to sustainability.
Many of Barcelona’s luxury hotels have adopted energy-efficient technologies, sustainable building materials, and waste-reduction strategies to reduce their environmental footprint, alongside sourcing local ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture, and reducing transportation emissions.
Active involvement across sectors: From luxury hotels and travel agencies to cultural institutions, restaurants, and green transportation options, Barcelona’s tourism industry is highly engaged in fostering sustainable practices. This holistic approach ensures that travellers have access to high-quality, eco-friendly options, while supporting the city’s commitment to protecting its natural and cultural heritage.
Heritage and innovation
Barcelona has successfully restored and preserved its heritage sites while integrating modern infrastructure and amenities. The city continuously introduces innovative cultural experiences such as VR tours of iconic locations like the Palau de la Música Catalana and has embraced technological innovations from smart transportation systems to digital concierge services, such as app-based city guides.
Renowned chefs like Ferran Adrià and Joan Roca have also revolutionised local gastronomy while drawing inspiration from the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Partnering with Private Luxury
This collaboration allows Barcelona Turisme to showcase the city as a top-tier destination for discerning travellers by tapping into a curated network of affluent travelers, industry influencers, and decision-makers.
For more information, please visit www.barcelonaturisme.com.
